07 July 2017

WASHINGTON, July 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Thursday that the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) does not bring the United States and the DPRK "closer to war."

"I do not believe this capability in itself brings us closer to war because the president's been very clear, the secretary of State's been very clear, that we are leading with diplomatic and economic efforts," said Mattis to reporters at the Pentagon.

While stressing that the United States remains "in a diplomatic effort engaging allies and partner nations across the board," Mattis said that the U.S. military stands ready to provide options if they are necessary.